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Sunsphere to light up red, white and blue

The Sunsphere will add to its gold glow with a red, white blue shine — at least for a week.

To celebrate Knoxville's 225th anniversary, the iconic relic of the 1982 World's Fair will be lit at its base with festive exterior lights from June 27 through the Fourth of July.

Atlanta-based company Illuminating Design Inc. will install temporary LED lights that have also been used by Disney, the Air Force and the National Football League.

The one-time installation could become a permanent feature if Visit Knoxville, the city's tourism arm, receives grants to cover the $75,000 cost.

'This is an exciting opportunity for Knoxville's iconic landmark in Knoxville,' Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville, said in a statement. 'A permanent lighting plan will make this attraction come alive after dark, which will be a wonderful beacon to visitors and our community.'

If the city receives the grants and installs the permanent lights, the Public Building Authority would be responsible for maintaining and monitoring the display.

The temporary light display will cost less than $5,000, city officials said.

Read or Share this story: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2016/06/09/sunsphere-to-light-up-red-white-and-blue/91000754/